Raptors essentially two teams in one: Starters and bench
The NBA is such a grind that every game presents its own unique set of challenges and circumstances, the margin for error so thin that any one or two possessions can alter that night’s outcome
The Raptors, who play host to Miami Tuesday before flying off to Chicago for a Wednesday evening date with the Bulls, have been riding the strength of their bench, a unit that has been rolling of late.
As good as the second unit has been, and it has been quite good by any measuring stick, teams are only as good as their starters.
Come playoff time, rotations are tightened, teams lock in even more and more is expected from the marquee names. Bench players are asked to maintain momentum during moments when a starter needs a breather, help create momentum when starters falter or simply make a play or two at either end.
Eventually, the Raptors will be in that situation when an eight, nine- man rotation gets established as the stakes increase.
For now, it’s been a luxury as the Raptors’ bench steps up in a way that keeps the starting group on the bench in the fourth quarter.
Whether it’s playing time, familiarity, improved confidence, there’s nothing, or very little, that has gone wrong for Toronto’s second unit.
More active, led by Pascal Siakam, more willing to share the basketball, unafraid to heave shots from distance, the second unit has been torching its counterparts.
“It’s obviously playing time,’’ said C. J. Miles, the old pro of the bench brigade whose three- point shooting has picked up.
As Miles so succinctly pointed out Monday, no one is talking about the future and whether minutes will be limited for the second stringers.
“That’s above my pay grade,’’ he added. “When they call my name, I just go to the table.
“That’s been one of the best things of our season. We’ve had guys, a whole group, who have been able to come in and change games. That’s a tough decision they’ve got to make over there ( management and coaching staff) in that office.”
Playoff basketball is about matchups. Teams such as the Heat or Washington Wizards pose problems because of their length, athleticism and physical style.
It’s why a player such DeMar DeRozan has struggled.
It will be interesting to follow how the bench gets used down the road when the pressure picks up, hwo deep the Raptors are willing to go down their bench and what unit is asked to close out quarters and games.
Right now, the Raptors are rolling, having won five in a row in rather convincing style, each win produced with the team’s starters sitting in the final period.
The bench has routinely posted 50- point games.
When the inevitable close game plays out, it’ll be worth monitoring how the Raptors react, what kind of rotation they decide to use.
In many ways, it’s easy to come off the bench in a blow- out game, stress- free and be able to shoot when solid ball movement leads to open looks.
One of the trademarks of this Raptors unit is that it’s a team made up of what is essentially two teams, the starters and backups.
Miles spreads the floor and his floor- spacing opens up driving lanes.
He’s a pro who has been to the playoffs and served as a difference maker in clutch moments when a big shot is required.
His first year in Toronto has been a mixed bag as Miles dealt with physical setbacks and the adjustment that accompanies fatherhood.
“I’m still working at it, still doing everything I can to build and be ready for the big picture end of season and into the playoffs. But right now, I feel good.”
As a team, the Raptors have been better than good.